.png)
Two decades ago, the Virginia-born rapper, singer-songwriter, and producer known as Missy 'Misdemeanour' Elliott, unleashed a musical anthem that would resonate as one of the most iconic tracks in contemporary music. This wasn't Elliott's debut; she had already made waves with hits from her albums Supa Dupa Fly (1997) and Da Real World (1999), as well as crafting songs for R&B stars like Aaliyah and SWV alongside her longtime friend and collaborator, Timbaland. However, Get Ur Freak On was a game-changer.
From the very first notes, the track exudes an irrepressible quality. The six-note Punjabi one-stringed tumbi melody, the impulsive tabla percussion, and Elliott's vivacious Southern flow collectively created a sound that felt shockingly thrilling in 2001. Despite being created as a late addition for her third album, 'Miss E… So Addictive' Elliott's intention was clear - to break away from the norm. In an interview with VIBE, she expressed, "I wanted to do what everybody else is scared to do," indicating a deliberate shift in her musical landscape.
Elliott, already a savvy businesswoman in her late 20s, had founded her own label (The Goldmind) and felt the industry pressure surrounding her next move. Teaming up with Timbaland, they crafted Get Ur Freak On with the intention of letting the track "marinate in the clubs for a while, get a street buzz going." Little did they know that this buzz would evolve into a crossover phenomenon. The track seamlessly blended hip-hop caché, global influences, and instant pop appeal, reinforcing Elliott's assertion that it could be about "dancing, the bedroom, whatever. You're cleaning your house? Get your freak on!"
The accompanying visuals were equally as unforgettable. Collaborating with video director Dave Meyers, known for his outlandish approach, Elliott presented a murky-glamorous world that brought avant-garde aesthetics into prime time. The video featured an array of established and emerging peers, including Timbaland, Busta Rhymes, Eve, LL Cool J, Jah Rule and Nicole Wray. Elliott herself oscillated between queenly and cartoonish, engaging in visually striking and surreal antics.
Get Ur Freak On transcended borders, receiving international acclaim and achieving Platinum success on both sides of the Atlantic. In the UK, Elliott became a cover star in publications that hadn't previously paid much attention to hip-hop. It was the age of bling, but also a time when the mainstream was opening up to the offbeat with other acts like Outkast. It was also a precursor to the UK really projecting its own identity in hip-hop and R&B music.
For many people hearing the track for the first time felt like a watershed moment where, sonically, you felt like the world would never be the same again. This moment marked a transformation in Western mainstream music, where Eastern influences were given natural prominence rather than being relegated to the category of world music. The significance of Timbaland and Elliott incorporating beats in a commercially viable way, provided validation for Asian producers and those using Asian beats.
Get Ur Freak On remains a global force, inspiring new generations of samples and remixes. Its creative dexterity, makes it a timeless party record that appeals across genres. Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On stands as a testament to artistic innovation, breaking barriers and leaving an enduring impact on the cultural tapestry of early 21st century music.
Two decades ago, the Virginia-born rapper, singer-songwriter, and producer known as Missy 'Misdemeanour' Elliott, unleashed a musical anthem that would resonate as one of the most iconic tracks in contemporary music. This wasn't Elliott's debut; she had already made waves with hits from her albums Supa Dupa Fly (1997) and Da Real World (1999), as well as crafting songs for R&B stars like Aaliyah and SWV alongside her longtime friend and collaborator, Timbaland. However, Get Ur Freak On was a game-changer.
From the very first notes, the track exudes an irrepressible quality. The six-note Punjabi one-stringed tumbi melody, the impulsive tabla percussion, and Elliott's vivacious Southern flow collectively created a sound that felt shockingly thrilling in 2001. Despite being created as a late addition for her third album, 'Miss E… So Addictive' Elliott's intention was clear - to break away from the norm. In an interview with VIBE, she expressed, "I wanted to do what everybody else is scared to do," indicating a deliberate shift in her musical landscape.
Elliott, already a savvy businesswoman in her late 20s, had founded her own label (The Goldmind) and felt the industry pressure surrounding her next move. Teaming up with Timbaland, they crafted Get Ur Freak On with the intention of letting the track "marinate in the clubs for a while, get a street buzz going." Little did they know that this buzz would evolve into a crossover phenomenon. The track seamlessly blended hip-hop caché, global influences, and instant pop appeal, reinforcing Elliott's assertion that it could be about "dancing, the bedroom, whatever. You're cleaning your house? Get your freak on!"
The accompanying visuals were equally as unforgettable. Collaborating with video director Dave Meyers, known for his outlandish approach, Elliott presented a murky-glamorous world that brought avant-garde aesthetics into prime time. The video featured an array of established and emerging peers, including Timbaland, Busta Rhymes, Eve, LL Cool J, Jah Rule and Nicole Wray. Elliott herself oscillated between queenly and cartoonish, engaging in visually striking and surreal antics.
Get Ur Freak On transcended borders, receiving international acclaim and achieving Platinum success on both sides of the Atlantic. In the UK, Elliott became a cover star in publications that hadn't previously paid much attention to hip-hop. It was the age of bling, but also a time when the mainstream was opening up to the offbeat with other acts like Outkast. It was also a precursor to the UK really projecting its own identity in hip-hop and R&B music.
For many people hearing the track for the first time felt like a watershed moment where, sonically, you felt like the world would never be the same again. This moment marked a transformation in Western mainstream music, where Eastern influences were given natural prominence rather than being relegated to the category of world music. The significance of Timbaland and Elliott incorporating beats in a commercially viable way, provided validation for Asian producers and those using Asian beats.
Get Ur Freak On remains a global force, inspiring new generations of samples and remixes. Its creative dexterity, makes it a timeless party record that appeals across genres. Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On stands as a testament to artistic innovation, breaking barriers and leaving an enduring impact on the cultural tapestry of early 21st century music.
